My Pulse

Chapter 26: Cian O'Shea

I wake slightly when I feel the bed dip gently on Quinn's side. I wasn't sure she would come back to my room tonight, but I'm glad she did. Maybe there's still hope for us. I move closer to her, wrapping my arm around her and pulling her tight against me. She doesn't pull away, and I can tell she's exhausted. I inhale deeply, the soft scent of her ocean-like fragrance filling me. It's calming, almost hypnotic, and her steady breathing lulls me back to sleep. 

The last thought in my mind before I drift off is that I don't want to mess this up. I'll make things right with Quinn, no matter what it takes. 

---

When I wake in the morning however, she's gone. A quick look in the bathroom confirms she isn't there either. Maybe she didn't want to wake up next to me? 

Wow. When the fuck did I become so self-conscious? 

This woman has me on my knees, and I promised myself I'd never let anyone have that kind of power over me again. Skipping my usual morning routine, I head downstairs, needing to see her. 

I round the corner into the kitchen and nearly collide with Anita. 
"Oh, sir, I'm so sorry!" she squeals. 

"All good. Sorry, Anita—I wasn't paying attention. Have you seen Quinn this morning?" 

"Oh, yes, sir. She took her coffee out for a morning swim. Would you like some?" 

I nod, taking the offered cup with a small smile before heading outside. 

I find Quinn lounging on a chaise with her eyes closed, her face tilted toward the sun. 
"Catching some sunlight while you still can?" I ask, stepping behind her. 

She jumps slightly, startled by my voice. 

"Are we really going home today?" she asks, her voice tinged with hope. 

"We really are," I confirm, stepping around the chair to face her. 

Quinn just nods, staring up at me with a blank expression. The silence between us feels awkward, and I hate it. She's acting strange this morning, but I remind myself that she asked for space. I'll try to give her as much as I can handle. 

"Why don't you eat something, then leave out what you want to bring home. Anita will pack your bag for you," I suggest. 

"Everything won't fit on the plane," she says with a small grin. 

There she is—my Quinn. That smile I wasn't sure I'd see again. 

"Leave anything you want here. I'll buy you a whole new wardrobe for home," I say nonchalantly. 

"I have an entire wardrobe at home," she counters quickly. 

"Whatever you want, bring it or don't. I don't really care," I explain, not wanting to argue about something so trivial. Lately, it feels like every conversation is a fight, and I'm losing every goddamn battle. 

I'm sick of feeling out of control—something I've never experienced as an adult. She says she needs time, and I'm trying to give it to her. Honestly, I could use some space too, but I'm torn. Do I step back or go after her with everything I've got? 

"Cian... I..." she starts, then stops abruptly. 

I turn to her, noting the confusion in her expression. I wait, desperately wanting to know what's going through her beautiful head. 

"I'm not sure how to do this," she admits, spinning the diamond on her ring finger. 

A wave of satisfaction rolls through me when I see she's still wearing it.